Red-rumped Parrot

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Red-rumped Parrot
Male
Male
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Subfamily: Platycercinae
Tribe: Platycercini
Genus: Psephotus
Species: P. haematonotus
Binomial name
Psephotus haematonotus
(Gould, 1838)
subspecies

P. h. haematonotus
P. h. caeruleus

The Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus), also known variously as the Red-backed Parrot, Red-winged Parrot, Crimson-winged Parrot or Blood-winged Parrot, is a common bird of south-eastern Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. Red-rumped Parrots are slim, elegant, moderate-sized parrots approximately 28cm (11in) in length. The male's plumage is a bright emerald-green with yellow underparts, a brick-red rump and blue highlights on the wings and upper back. The female's plumage is less vibrant, with pale olive underparts, dull green wings and back and blue-black wingtips. The characteristic red rump is only found in the male.

Red-rumped Parrots can be found in pairs or flocks in open country with access to water. They avoid the coast and the wetter, more heavily timbered areas. Clearing of large tracts of forest and the provision of water for stock has probably extended their range. They are often seen in suburban parks and gardens.

Despite the long tail - usually a sign of an arboreal bird - they spend a great deal of time feeding on the ground, often calling to one another with an attractive chee chillip chee chillip.

Male (behind) and female
Male (behind) and female

Like many parrots, red-rumps nest in tree hollows or similar places, including fenceposts and stumps. Breeding usually takes place in spring (August to January), however, in the dryer inland areas, breeding can occur at any time of year in response to rainfall.

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